imperialism

[ im-peer-ee-uh-liz-uh m ]

/ ɪmˈpɪər i əˌlɪz əm /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR imperialism ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies.

advocacy of imperial or sovereign interests over the interests of the dependent states.

imperial government; rule by an emperor or empress.

an imperial system of government.

British. the policy of so uniting the separate parts of an empire with separate governments as to secure for certain purposes a single state.

Nearby words

imperial jade, imperial moth, imperial presidency, imperial valley, imperial war museum, imperialism, imperil, imperious, imperishable, imperium, impermanent

Origin of imperialism

First recorded in 1855–60; imperial¹ + -ism

Related forms

im·pe·ri·al·ist, noun, adjectiveim·pe·ri·al·is·tic, adjectiveim·pe·ri·al·is·ti·cal·ly, adverbnon·im·pe·ri·al·is·tic, adjective

non·im·pe·ri·al·is·ti·cal·ly, adverbun·im·pe·ri·al·is·tic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for imperialism

Like imperialism, the foundation of humanitarianism is that the West knows best.
Confronting George Clooney’s Critics on South Sudan|John Avlon|October 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Stringer depicts a country that is beset by complications of both past imperialism and current globalism.
This Week’s Hot Reads: Feb. 24, 2014|Thomas Flynn|February 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Ottoman imperialism is now religiously overlooked for inclusion in postcolonial studies at Western universities.
Best Books About the Rest of the World|Kapil Komireddi|December 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Because for the global left, imperialism is the great sin of the modern world.
The Real Problem With the American Studies Association's Boycott of Israel|Peter Beinart|December 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Terms like “racism,” “colonialism” and “imperialism” came straight out of the Communist playbook for demonizing enemies.
Delegitimizing Israel Makes Peace Harder to Achieve|Gil Troy|February 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In only one section, that of Basle, does imperialism find defenders.
The Forerunners|Romain Rolland
Imperialism in the United States, as in every other modern country, is built not upon politics, but upon industry.
The American Empire|Scott Nearing
The second, which occurs towards the close of his work, is that "sane Imperialism is political Idealism."
Political and Literary essays, 1908-1913|Evelyn Baring
There is in all great cities a strong tendency to Imperialism.
Greater Britain|Charles Wentworth Dilke
I would not only go over to Imperialism, but I would attempt to biologise Imperialism.
The New Machiavelli|Herbert George Wells

British Dictionary definitions for imperialism

imperialism

/ (ɪmˈpɪərɪəˌlɪzəm) /

noun

the policy or practice of extending a state's rule over other territories

an instance or policy of aggressive behaviour by one state against another

the extension or attempted extension of authority, influence, power, etc, by any person, country, institution, etccultural imperialism

a system of imperial government or rule by an emperor

the spirit, character, authority, etc, of an empire

advocacy of or support for any form of imperialism

Derived Forms

imperialist, adjective, nounimperialistic, adjectiveimperialistically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Culture definitions for imperialism

imperialism

Acquisition by a government of other governments or territories, or of economic or cultural power over other nations or territories, often by force. Colonialism is a form of imperialism.